Staying Safe at Malls and Shopping Centers
Malls and shopping centers, even with the growing popularity of online shopping, are still frequented by many shoppers each day, and there are still many who prefer shopping at these locations. And even though many malls are well lit and do provide security measures, they can still be dangerous. Shoppers’ state of unawareness, the wide variety of potential victims, and the odds being many of those potential victims have extra cash on them, make malls attractive to criminals. Here are a few guidelines to help you stay safe at shopping malls.
Please watch the video if you haven’t yet, and then read the rest of the guidelines and tips.
Pay Attention to Who and What is Around You
Situational awareness seems to be a common theme in staying safe wherever you are, and that is because it is. If you haven’t watched the videos on Situational Awareness on the Staying Safe pages, please do so when you are done with this article. And be sure to download the free guide to situational awareness before you leave this site.
Paying attention is so important. Swindlers and pickpockets can be found in mall stores and hallways. They look for shoppers who are daydreaming, distracted, or intensely focused on store windows to size up their victims. Remember, criminals don’t want to get caught, and they want something easy, so they are going to look for the easiest targets. People who are distracted and not paying attention make easier targets.
Before you go into a store, check to see who’s inside. If you see someone, or a group of people, who look suspicious, don’t go in. Remember the advice if something feels wrong, listen to your inner warnings. Trust your instincts. If something feels uncomfortable, leave immediately.
Avoid Groups of Teens Loitering at Malls
When we went into the mall to film the video that accompanies this article, my daughter read the sign and asked me what loitering meant. There is a reason that malls and stores have signs saying no loitering. Groups, often teens, hanging around will sometimes menace shoppers or be disruptive. Sometimes they are out causing trouble or engaging in illegal activities. If you see this, report it immediately to police or security guards. Steering clear of them just helps keep you safe.
(And if you are a parent, don’t allow your youngsters to spend excessive time “hanging out.” They may be influenced by the negative environment.)
Be Extra Careful in the Restrooms
I was talking with Rory Miller a while back and he mentioned how public restrooms would be one of his preferred places to wait for a victim if he was a criminal that needed to score some fast cash. Many restroom crimes involve women’s purses. It is easy for a thief to wait until a purse is on the floor inside a stall, and then reach under, snatch it, and be out the door before the victim can dress and come out of the stall. Best practice is to loop it over your arm and keep it with you. Might not be as comfortable, but it is safer. Some stalls have shelves that can’t be reached by reaching under or over, and so these can be okay too. Don’t just hang it over the hook on the back of the stall door. Brazen thieves have been known to reach over the door and lift coats and bags off the hooks. Be careful when you are washing your hands that someone can’t grab your bag and run out the door.
Keep a Close Eye on Your Children
Malls are a location you should pay extra attention to your kids. Child abductors need kids to snatch, and crowds provide cover for kidnappers to target children who have strayed from their parents. Know where your children are at all times. Child molesters have been known to wait in public or family restrooms for children to enter alone. If your children are old enough to do some things by themselves, you still need to know where they are going to be, and set time limits. (Having shorter time limits, and checking in frequently may be a nuisance, but it is a better way to stay safe.) Make sure you children know to go to a security officer or store clerk for assistance if they become separated from you.
Keep an Eye on Your Purse or Bags
Straps can be easily cut and you might not even feel your purse being taken. When you top to pay for something, or look at something, don’t set your purse or wallet down on a counter where thieves can easily grab them while you are distracted. Be careful of putting a purse or bag on the floor by a dressing room door that can be reached under or snatched. I’d be careful putting it by a door that closes too, because you never know if some brazen thief might just open the door and snatch it before you can do anything. (You might hesitate chasing them if you are undressed, and often it can be dangerous to chase a criminal in the first place. Much better if they never have a chance to take it.) Additionally, never leave your purse or bags in the dressing room while you run out to grab something else or another size. A thief only needs a moment to disappear with your stuff.
Don’t Carry a Lot of Cash
A lot of places won’t take checks any more, so I prefer using credit cards. (Yes, I know some places won’t take them either.) I like credit cards because you can cancel them if lost or stolen. If cash is stolen, it is gone. Never place your purse or wallet where it is easily visible and accessible. Pickpockets are still out there, so be aware of anyone brushing up against you. Check your purse or wallet immediately. If they are good, the person who lifted the wallet most likely passed it off to a partner, so even if you confront the person you think took it, it might be gone. So watch for a pass if you discover your wallet has been taken. Better yet, make it so it can’t be taken. I prefer my front pants pocket for my wallet. Ladies should have their wallet inside a purse that closes. Worst case, don’t have a lot of cash so you don’t lose much if it it stolen. Another strategy is to carry some cash in a money clip in a different pocket than your wallet. That way you don’t lose everything if you are robbed.
Always Check Your Purchases Before You Leave the Store
Be sure to check your bags before leaving. Sometimes an item you paid for might not make it into your bag. Regardless if it is an accident or on purpose, you are better off if you check before leaving. Also be careful of deals that are too good to be true. Criminals have posed as store workers and offered great deals, only to have the victim arrive home and find out they purchased a box with junk in it.
Regardless if shopping is a pleasure for you or just a necessity, it should be an activity that is safe. Your safety is up to you, so follow these simple guidelines for staying safe at malls.